Breastfeeding has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. A hearty commitment reaping much return that will last forever. With that said, personal style through this season of life has been nothing short of challenging. Even me, a stylist, can totally relate to how complicated it is. By now, I’ve found a rhythm, living through 14 months and four weather transitions of getting dressed while considering necessary boob access. But it wasn’t always second-nature, and while I haven’t covered this topic here at length, now is as good a time as any. Because some of you are either planning to nurse OR are still in throes of it like me. So I say better late than never. These style tips are positioned to support your journey stylistically, and as always keep you feeling absolutely beautiful from the inside out. PS: Head on over to Loyal Hana (a gorgeous maternity/nursing-friendly brand) to check out their new site and new fall collection: styled by yours truly.

BREASTFEEDING STYLE TIPS:

NURSING BRANDS: Regardless of how long you plan on nursing, having a few pieces specifically designed for it (think strategically placed hidden zippers) in your closet is game changing – and totally worth the investment. Most nursing brands (like Loyal Hana) are good for both pregnancy AND beyond so you’ll get more bang for your buck. Favorites from LH are: celia jumpsuit (styled here on me), frankie top, layla dress and wiley sweater. Other brands to check out: Mitera, Au Lait, Kinwolfe, and Fillyboo.

OFF-THE-SHOULDER: The off-the-shoulder trend did wonders for me this past Summer. Since many of these silhouettes are designed with elastic, the stretch allows for easy boob access. Pair it with the La Leche strapless nursing bra (which has been life-changing for me) and you’re good to go. For the more modest woman, throw a nursing scarf over you when out and about. I love this set from Vetta, and this Ulla Johnson (shown in above and below images).

DROPPED ARMHOLE: In warm weather, pair a cute bandeau bra with dropped armhole tank like this one from Free People. Move the tank aside when nursing. Apply this strategy in colder months and wear as a layering piece under cozy sweaters or under second layers such as a blazers, cardigans or light jackets.

WRAP TOPS: If you can wrap it, you can release it. The boob, that is. Stock up on a few of these for the season. I’m loving this one from Malene Birger, this one from MLM, and this one from Alexander Wang.

BUTTON-DOWNS: Back before breastfeeding specific clothing was available, women wore buttons downs. Because they are a no-brainer for nursing. So add a few new ones to the rotation like this wear-with-everything chambray from J.Crew, this super cute style from Hatch Collection (in a dress version too), and this classic wear-to-work style from Equipment that you can utilize before, during, and after.

OVERALLS: If you follow along here, read this post or join me over on instagram, you’ll have noticed that overalls have been a go-to style for me during pregnancy and beyond. Pair any of the above tops with them, and you have a super cute, functional outfit that is stylistically interesting and mom-friendly. These from Old Navy are cute and price sensitive, this style from Hatch Collection and I’m really digging these from Current/Elliot .

SECOND LAYERS: Now that the weather is shifting to cooler temperatures, second layers are key when nursing. They provide coverage no matter what you’re wearing underneath. Stock up on a few cozy sweaters like this one and this one from Hatch Collection, and oversized blazers like this one from Smythe or this one from H&M which I’d pair with anything from boyfriend jeans, overalls or over a dress.

“My dance has helped me become soooo much more confident but I have struggled to bring the sensual connection to me and my own soul into my every day. The clothes! The sartorial sustenance! How they make me feel is such a big part of that. And you are helping in an *incredible* way! I feel confident and I know when I feel it inside and out (!!!!). I feel beautiful beyond description. Thank you.” - YSS client, September 2016

When I receive a message like the above from a client, describing how amazing they feel on the other end of our work together, it validates what I’ve set out to do via the Your Soul Style process. My own journey helped me to understand that style must be an honest reflection of our inner self in order to feel a sense of oneness and confidence. And this led me to want to do the same for others. Helping women discover their personal style from the inside out will forever be my goal, and to affect change means the world to me. I can’t wait to work with more of you, one-by-one, proving that when we authentically align all parts of ourself, we become the most beautiful and empowered versions.

I wrote the below post on 11/3/14, but after stumbling on it this week wanted to republish, especially as we move into a new season. I’m grateful for the growth of Your Soul Style and want to explain what a Style Coach is for new readers/followers and potential clients my philosophy behind this venture because it still stands the same today as always. It’s not always clear what I do, but part of my initiative for 2016 –> 2017 is to make sure that women are aware of what I’m all about, and that I’m here to help! There are many stylists, especially in the NYC area, but what I offer is different. Style from the inside out was, is and always will be the ultimate goal, and nothing gives me more pleasure than to empower women so they don’t just look their best, but feel it too. I can’t wait to work with you! Service details here.

What is a Style Coach?

I began my personal styling business simultaneously to the launch of Your Soul Style, but the seed was planted way before it blossomed. In high school, I remember sitting up at night to create a very raw business plan contingent upon working with women to help them find their authenticity, using my skill set of understanding fashion, sense of self and style. While I didn’t have any professional experience at that point, the program organically poured out of me in a way that I could only describe as second nature. My entire life had been dedicated to a combination of self-expression, emotional health and wellness and while the ideas didn’t tangibly come together until April of 2013, the plan had always been in place. Through my experience in corporate america combined with a strong dedication to personal growth and mindfulness, my mission to embrace style from the inside out was conceived. I had spent many years focusing on the topical aspect of style, but it became critical to consider the human element. I needed to feel connected and yearned for a greater purpose. From there, the ideas that began manifesting in high school slowly started to bloom. And so I became a Style Coach. I was born to do this.

So what is a Style Coach anyway? I don’t think I’ve ever really broken it down for you guys. Similar to talk therapy, where a person becomes mindful and aware of their own behavior patterns, style-coaching is a form of style therapy. Through a one/one style coaching session, I work with client(s) to help them find their own style rhythm, starting from the inside out. While style is an extension of an inner self, feeling unstable can offset the alignment with the outer self. How we present ourselves to the world is contingent upon our emotional state. Together we break down any barriers and explore the deeper layers, by evaluating body image, self-esteem, style preferences, and style choices so I can provide techniques on how to compliment your shape, personality and taste. In this meeting, we also take a preliminary tour through your closet to evaluate and gain a better understanding of where you may be struggling. Whether you’re going through a break-up, lost weight, gained weight, recently had a baby, are pregnant, or just looking to discover your style personality, my goal is to help my client(s) find an authentic sensibility and provide tips on how to use style as a vehicle of confident self-expression and empowerment. I’m a firm believer that we are at our best, when we feel our best and that begins at our core. Mind, body and soul must be aligned.

After this Style Coaching session, I recommend moving on to a Closet Cleanse, where I help detoxify negative style habits to set you up with a strong and healthy wardrobe foundation. We will keep what’s working and toss what doesn’t, while organizing your closet in a way that makes sense and doesn’t feel overwhelming. Through this exercise I provide continuous guidance and direction on how to pull looks together from your existing collection and we create a list of key, baseline pieces which I recommend adding to your assortment. From there, we go Shopping (or I will shop for you), to find those essential pieces!

I also offer services such as helping you get ready for your wedding (including styling for the big day or the events leading up to it, such as a bridal shower, bachelorette, or honeymoon packing!), or if you don’t live locally, I can be by your virtual side and use the interweb to create head-to-toe desired looks or seasonal shopping ideas. Whatever your specific needs, timeframe, and budget, hand-picked, edited selections and coordinated outfits can be delivered to you via e-mail and revised until we find what works best. In every service I provide, there is always a strong emphasis on tapping into your inner self and ensuring that aligns with your outer self.

I feel very fortunate to not only have been able to hone in on what I believe to be my calling, but to also have the ability to pursue it in a realistic way. In the truest of words, my dreams are becoming my reality. There is nothing more rewarding then helping to empower women to look and feel their best.

If you or someone you know may be interested in working with me, reach out and let’s connect! For all inquiries and rate information, message me at jenny@yoursoulstyle.com so we can begin to discover your style, from the inside out.